Fresh appeal after sports club burglaries

Lancashire Constabulary are urging clubs to check their security measures and ensure valuables are securely locked after latest thefts.

According to the Lancashire Constabulary website a burglar targeting sports clubs across the country is believed to have struck again in Lancashire.

A theft took place at St Anne’s Cricket Club, Highbury Road East / Vernon Road between 5.20pm and 7.45pm on Sunday, August 3rd when a thief went into a changing room during the match and stole cash and mobile phones valued at more than £2,000.

Another theft took place on Saturday August 2nd at Thornton Cleveleys Sports Club, Bourne Road between 2.45pm and 3.10pm and stole cash and mobile phones worth almost £3,000.

There have been other burglaries earlier this year that police believe may be linked. These took place at Fylde Rugby Club, Preston Grasshoppers, Blackpool Rugby Club and the University of Central Lancashire’s West Building of the sports arena on Tom Benson Way, Preston.

Police would like to speak to Alan Phillip, 62 (image of him can be found on the Lancashire Constabulary website at the link below), about the latest thefts and a series of others across the country. Mr Phillip also goes by the name Anthony Tye and is wanted by West Midlands Police and Avon & Somerset Police.

For further details of the burglaries mentioned above please visit the Lancashire Constabulary website by clicking here.

Detective Inspector Warren Atkinson, of Preston Police, said: “We would warn other sports clubs to be mindful of who they trust valuables to and also to check on their security, such as checking that they have working CCTV, or consider installing some if they don’t already have it.

“I am keen to hear from anyone who feels they may have information or know the identity of the offender. Alan Phillip is wanted for several thefts and is believed to travel the length and breadth of the United Kingdom committing similar offences at sports venues including rugby, football and cricket clubs. We believe he travels by public transport and stays at B&Bs where he almost certainly pays cash. I would ask anyone who works in the hotel business, works within public transport or is involved with a sport to have a good look at his photograph. We are extremely keen to ensure Alan Phillip doesn’t strike again and I would ask anyone who has any information in relation to these thefts to contact me.”

Police are appealing for with information to get in touch by calling 101.

This is a timely reminder to all cricket clubs up and down the county to check their security measures and ensure valuables are securely locked. Please pass this on to all club members to remind everyone of their duty to keep their clubs secure and safe.

Also a reminder to clubs in the Greater Manchester area who can contact Greater Manchester Police Crime Prevention Team for support by undertaking a Self Assessment of their security measures and gain advice from them. To find out more visit: Cricket Club Security Support from Greater Manchester Police.

The England & Wales Cricket Board have produced a guide for clubs on Cricket Ground Security, Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour Prevention. This is available on their website by clicking here.